Motorcyclists take part in Support the Troops Ride for 2013

NEW BERLIN (WITI) — “I’m a patriot.” And, as such, Dan Leitner says it’s incumbent upon him to do what he can to support those who, like him, are or have been members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“This is important. This shows people what this country is about,” Leitner continues.

On Saturday, May 18th, Leitner is part of the culmination of Milwaukee Armed Forces Week with the 10th annual “Support The Troops” motorcycle ride.

Rollie Timm started the event with a few friends one decade ago.

“This is something we need to do, as an American, as a biker, and, just, a patriot. It’s time that we stand-up for something positive, and support these men and women,” Timms explains.

When the riders reach their destination, at Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Museum, they’ll continue to congregate during an afternoon of activities.

But, first, they gather at Hal’s Harley-Davidson in New Berlin where they begin with breakfast.

Here, a pancake breakfast fundraiser is helping the effort to build the state’s first Fisher House, in Milwaukee.

Curtiss Peck says a Fisher House is akin to a Ronald McDonald House, but, for veterans’ families.

“We have the family members coming to visit their loved ones, who are being treated at the V-A hospital, and so we will be able to house up to 16 families for no cost, to them. It’ll cost them nothing to stay at a Fisher House,” Peck explains.